Columbus Crew vs. West Ham United: Match Report

By: James | July 25th, 2008

Look ma, two friendlies!
West Ham 3, Columbus Crew 1

This match was much better attended than the Independiente game a few weeks ago, although there were probably fewer Argentinians. West Ham banners outnumbered Crew banners, and the Hammers chant on par with beer-soaked Belgian monks.

The Crew didn’t start anything like their first team, but it is still humbling to face an EPL side, regardless of the outcome. Top flight is a faster, more dangerous game. Standouts from the visiting East-enders included Dean Ashton, Craig Bellamy, and Julien Faubert. Ashton especially looked sharp. Overall foot speed was better and more importantly, they knew just where to be when.

On the Crew side there were some significant appearances. First, this match previewed the side lanes while Rogers and Ekpo serve in the Olympics. Corey Elenio played on the right. Eddie Gaven took the left.

Elenio looked as strong as he did against Independiente. His assist on the Crew’s only goal was wicked. From the right sideline Elenio volleyed a ball to the top of the box perfectly aimed and timed for the head of Jason Garey. A header rocketing in from eighteen yards is a credit to Garey. Executing a precise cross at an opportunistic moment is a greater credit to Elenio. He helped form an attack up top without burying himself behind opposing defenders. We don’t always see that from the first squad. Elenio gave great service on a corner kick or two, outperforming Oughten in that capacity. Elenio still looks a little green: too timid in some cases, too adventurous in others. I think he’ll fill in capably.

It seemed like Eddie Gaven was still a little out of form due to his injury. He seemed to have difficulty finding a rapport with Petersen, Evans, and Lenhart and seemed a step or two off. There was just a tough time linking up on the left. I look forward to him getting back to form.

Brad Evans made a cringe-diculous own goal, but… he still looks like strongest option in the offensive midfield compared to Miglioranzi and Oughten. As I watched Evans step up while Gaven struggled I wondered about moving Evans to the left and bringing Eddie Gaven into the center. Hear me out.

Gaven has speed and seems to be able to distribute the ball well when he’s on form. He might be able help control possession and settle play in the midfield if he were charged with holding the center. Evans attacked and defended sharply near the sidelines and might be able to work with a transition to the wing while Gaven gets his sea-legs and while Ekpo and Rogers are gone.

Although he got pwned by Dean Ashton on West Ham’s first goal, Ezra Hendrickson looks like he might be fit to return to league play. He seemed trimmer and faster than he did at the start of the season. He also improved his accuracy. I think we might see him playing a frequent role in the defense again.

Sigi started to bring in more starters when the Hammers tallied their third goal. The Crew was never able to make it competitive in the second half, but they did play the last 30 minutes to a draw. Bottom line, the Crew have limited personnel choices in August and still need to find an answer to their defensive weakness. Cross your fingers folks.